DODGE CITY — The SouthWest Kansas Area Agency on Aging’s (SWKAAA) 35th annual Senior Boomer Expo will be held Thursday, April 21, at the Dodge City Civic Center.   

“Age My Way” is the national theme that has been selected for this day-long celebration and to recognize May as Older Americans Month.

Activities begin at 9:30 a.m. with the Felicia Gallegos performing the National Anthem. Kari Kyle, SWKAAA Board of Directors chair, will provide opening remarks and read a proclamation signed by the board of directors declaring May as Older Americans Month and encouraging all seniors to celebrate positive aging. Rod Rawlings will be the featured speaker at 10 a.m.

Over 35 social, service and business exhibitors will display their products and services of interest to seniors, individuals with disabilities and caregivers from 10:45 a.m. to 2:15 p.m.   

Many great door prizes from area merchants will be given away throughout the day. At 10:45 a.m., seniors will try their luck at the popular game of corn hole.

Over the noon hour, a lunch will be provided by SWKAAA, prepared by the Knights of the Columbus Council No. 2955 for a freewill donation. 

The afternoon activities start at noon on the big stage with presentations from Mona Kaps, massage therapist, and Jymie Cinnamon, yoga instructor. Special guests will perform following these presentations. Cynthia Rausch will then perform her Texas-Gospel-Reddirt music, leading the ever-popular Mega Bingo Blackout (a $300 cash jackpot) for age 60+ and an ice cream social for all ages.   

SWKAAA’s Senior Expo is free to attend thanks to the generous support of these great sponsors: Michael Mariche, Shelter Insurance, Dodge City; Kennedy McKee & Company, Carpet for Less, Cimarron; Ford County Council on Aging; ElderCare Inc. Great Bend; Keller Leopold; Jason Putnam at Shelter Insurance, Dodge City; and the staff of the SouthWest Kansas Area Agency on Aging.